gremlin
noun/ˈɡrɛmlɪn/
Frequency rank: #18,208 of 20,003 in the WORDED list (wordfreq data)
Meaning
An imaginary mischievous creature blamed for unexplained mechanical or technical problems.
Example sentence
Every time the printer breaks down for no reason, the office staff jokes that a little gremlin is responsible.
Synonyms & related words
More words in ranks 18,201–18,300
- generalistA person who has knowledge or skills in many different areas rather than specializing in one.
- germinateto begin to grow or sprout, as a seed does.
- gladesopen spaces within or at the edge of a forest, often grassy and filled with light.
- glebeA piece of land belonging to a parish church or ecclesiastical benefice.
- grampsan informal, affectionate word for grandfather.
- grudginglyIn a reluctant or resentful manner; done without willingness.
- headroomthe space or clearance between the top of something and the surface above it.
- heparina naturally occurring anticoagulant substance used medically to prevent blood clotting.
- homilyA short sermon or moral lecture, especially one given during a religious service.
- ideationthe process of forming and developing new ideas or concepts.